A Level 1 inspection is the recommended level when an evaluation of the chimney system for continued service is needed and the conditions of use are not changing.This could include:

• Routine or annual evaluations of the venting system

• An appliance connected to the system is being replaced with a similar appliance

• During chimney cleaning or sweeping

A Level 1 inspection is limited to readily accessible portions of the venting system, and accessible portions of the connected appliance(s) and the chimney connection.The inspector will check the readily accessible portions of the chimney, its enclosing structure, and the flue.

A Level 1 inspection includes verification that the flue is not blocked or significantly restricted.

NFPA Level 2 Chimney Inspection

A Level 2 inspection is more detailed and thorough than a Level 1 inspection and is the recommended inspection when conditions of use for the appliance or venting system are changing, or when a Level 1 inspection reveals the need for a more detailed inspection. Several instances where a Level 2 inspection is specifically recommended include:

• Replacement of an appliance with one of dissimilar type, input rating or efficiency

• Prior to a flue relining

• Upon sale or transfer of the property

• After an event likely to have caused damage to the chimney, such as a chimney fire or other sudden occurrence event

A Level 2 inspection includes all of the requirements of a Level I

inspection as well as the following:

• Inspection of accessible areas of attics, basements, and crawlspaces

• Accessible areas of the chimney exterior and interior

• Accessible portions of the appliance and chimney connection

• Video scanning, or other thorough inspection, of the flue interior

• Evaluation of the flue lining to determine that its material and sizing is appropriate for the appliances being served

• Proper construction and condition of the chimney system in the accessible areas listed above

While the Level 2 inspection is a rather thorough inspection and

requires access to many areas of the building, it does not require removal of permanent parts of the building, such as siding, chase covers or wall coverings.

NFPA Level 3 Chimney Inspection

A Level 3 inspection is the most detailed of all of the inspection types and includes inspection of concealed areas of the building. However, examination of concealed areas will be limited to areas reasonably suspected of containing hazards that cannot be evaluated otherwise.

A Level 3 inspection includes all areas covered in a Level 1 and Level 2 inspection, and inspection of concealed areas to investigate known or suspected problems. In as much as certain portions of a Level 3 inspection require destructive action to the building, the inspector will discuss these areas with the building owner prior to the inspection. Recommended Frequency of Chimney Inspection

The National Fire Protection Association recommends that all chimneys, fireplaces and vents be inspected annually and serviced/swept when needed. In addition to this requirement, there are other times when chimney and venting systems should be inspected, such as:

• After any unusual, or sudden occurrence event, such as a chimney fire, lightning strike, or earthquake

• Prior to purchasing a home with an existing chimney

• Whenever changes are made to a chimney or vent system, including replacement of connected appliances

• Prior to major system repairs

Video Scanning of Chimney Interiors

A video scan is a process in which we use a camera system that is pushed up from the bottom into the chimney (or lowered into the top). The camera allows us to inspect the chimney from a range of just a few inches instead of just looking from the top or bottom. The camera image is viewed on a TV monitor by the inspector and the homeowner. Video inspections may be recommended if the customer or technician suspects certain problems. Video inspections are often recommended after a chimney fire or some other form of damage to a chimney, and are a routine part of a Level 2 or a Level 3 inspection.

NOTE: Our reports show the condition of the portion of the chimney that was inspected that is visible at the time of inspection.